Are you debating whether to buy a new iPhone 7 or fix a cracked screen on your current device? Well, if you have AppleCare+, you may not have to choose.
This week, Apple announced that AppleCare+ customers will only have to pay $29 to fix their cracked iPhone screens at an Apple Store. Previously, these customers had to pay $79 for screen repairs, or $99 to fix a larger Plus-sized screen. This lowered price also applies to customers who have purchased AppleCare+ in the past as long as they have an iPhone 6 or beyond.
AppleCare+ costs $129. This insurance plan extends the typical iPhone warranty to two years, and it covers up to two repairs within that time frame. Customers without AppleCare+ and whose iPhone are out-of-warranty can expect to pay $129 to fix an iPhone screen or $149 to fix a Plus-sized screen.
iPhone users with cracked screens also have the option to go to an independent repair shop or purchase DIY repair kits online. According to The Washington Post, repair shops typically charge anywhere from $100 to $150 to fix an iPhone screens, and DIY kits can cost between $40 to $100.
The impact on you: By making repairs more affordable, Apple is hoping to better compete against third-party solutions—not to mention, it brings added value to purchasing a pricey iPhone, and dispels the notion that the company has a monopoly on repairs. It also makes their devices more eco-friendly.
Even though going to independent repair shops may seem like it’s still the most affordable solution, there are greater risks. Apple typically voids the iPhone warranty if it was taken to an unauthorized repair shop, and third-party tampering can even lead to bricking your device.
